Ottawa State Fishing Lake

Ottawa State Fishing Lake’s primary purpose is to provide quality fishing opportunities. Recreational pursuits compatible with this purpose are also encouraged.

FISHING

The lake has a good population of black bass, channel catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Saugeye and wipers have been stocked recently as additional predators for crappie and gizzard shad control. The lake has a few big flatheads and enough carp to provide some line tugging action. Ten earthen fishing piers and active shoreline maintenance provide good fishing access.

Channel catfish populations are maintained with annual stockings of 8-12” fish. Three automatic fish feeders are operated from May through October to enhance catfish growth.

BOATING

The lake has two boat ramps and courtesy docks. Motorized boats are welcome on the lake but must be operated for fishing purposes at no wake speeds only.

LOG FISHING CABIN

If you do not want to drag your camper or rough it in a tent, a log cabin is available for rent. Sleeping room for six with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, shower and restroom facilities will add comfort to your trip. Bring own bedding and toiletries. Nightly rates are $60 plus deposit. Contact the Region 1 Office in Hays, KS for details and reservations.

CAMPING

Free primitive camping is allowed in designated areas only around the lake. Fourteen days maximum per stay. No utilities are offered for RVs.

WILDLIFE

In addition to white tail deer and turkey, 200-300 Canada geese winter here. Alert visitors during the winter months will also periodically see a bald eagle. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities exist year-round on the lake and wildlife area.

HUNTING

Deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, and rabbit are pursued on 210 acres open to public hunting. Due to the small area and surrounding housing developments, hunting opportunities are limited. For safety purposes, hunting is limited to shotgun and archery only.

OTHER FACILITIES

There are three vault toilets, numerous picnic tables and fire rings, and a large reservable group shelter house on the area. There are no public showers, trash bins or utility hook-ups.

Wilson Area Office: (785) 658-2465 Ext. 3

Located about 25 miles north of Salina on US-81, and 8 miles east on KS-106. It is also approximately 9.5 miles east of Minneapolis, KS on KS-106.

Boats must be operated for fishing purposes and at no wake speeds only

Campfires are allowed in fire rings only.

No camping on fishing piers.

Please help keep the area clean and reduce maintenance costs by taking your trash with you.

Special Features

A refuge/special hunt area has been developed to increase wildlife use and improve quality hunting opportunities on the area. Approximately 340 acres on the north and west sides of the property are designated as a refuge/special hunt area and are closed to public access except by special permit from October 1 through March 1 each year.

Special hunting opportunities are available by draw though the Kansas Special Hunts program on portions of this area normally closed to hunting. Check out the agency website for more information.

If you do not want to drag your camper or rough it in a tent, a log cabin is available for rent. Sleeping room for six with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, shower and restroom facilities will add comfort to your trip. Bring own bedding and toiletries. Nightly rates are $70 plus deposit. Contact the Region 1 Office in Hays, KS, for details and reservations.